Every time I do a workshop or presentation I end with a list resources including a list of books. At one of my recent talks, someone asked what other books I would recommend for business owners. I have a long list on my website but here is the short list by category.

Social Media

Socialnomics, by Erik Qualman

“How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business “

Social Media 2.0 by J.R. Atkins

“A cliff notes version of the Big 5 of Social Media “LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and Video”

Inbound Marketing by Brian Halligan & Dharmesh Shah

“A guide to increasing online visibility and engagement”

Starting a Business

Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

“Explains your role as an employee, business owner, self-employed and investor”

eMyth by Michael Gerber

“E is for Entrepreneur. Learn how to work on your business, not just in your business”

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

“Before you start your business, know what is important and what is fluff”

Building your Business

Crush It by Gary Vanerchuk

“Shows you how to use the power of the Internet and social media to grow your businesses”

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne

“How to create uncontested market space and make competition irrelevant”

Failing Forward by John C Maxwell

“Taught me how to convert past failures into future success”

Personal Development

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

“The power of thinking without thinking”

Strength Finder by Tom Wrath

“Discover your strengths, use them and surround yourself with others to cover the gaps”

Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance

“An inside look at a visionary, entrepreneur and billionaire”

I’d love to hear what your favorite books are and why. Drop me a line sometime at

J.R. Atkins has been working with individuals, executives and small businesses since 1993 and on Social Media since 2008. He has a BA in Marketing from Texas A&M University and an MBA from The University of Phoenix, Dallas Campus. J.R. serves as an adjunct professor at Temple College and CTC. He has published 3 books Success Simplified, Social Media 2.0 and Road Map to Success.